I believed that by releasing Meredith with a generous settlement, I was showing love.

She believed that by accepting my decision without protest, she was showing love.

Neither of us understood that our quiet sacrifices were becoming a language the other could not read.

Vivian’s interference was real.

The missing letter mattered.

The business scheme caused damage and required an investigation.

But even without those things, Meredith and I would have needed to learn to speak honestly.

A stolen letter explained our first misunderstanding.